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      Ten Hag faces further embarrassment as Liverpool ‘eye transfer’ for star, 21, Man Utd let leave for just £5m months ago

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      LIVERPOOL are interested in ex-Manchester United star Alvaro Carreras, according to reports.The left-back switched the Red Devils for Benfica in a £5million deal back in May.Alvaro Carreras is wanted by Liverpool just months after leaving Man UtdCredit: GettyErik ten Hag is under immense pressure after Man Utd’s poor start to the seasonCredit: GettyBut just five months after his transfer, Spanish outlet AS claim he has caught the eye of Liverpool.Carreras’ contract at Benfica runs until 2029 and there is thought to be a release clause that Arne Slot’s side could trigger – though the amount is unknown.The 21-year-old spent the second half of last season with the Portuguese giants on loan.He previously had loan spells at Granada and Preston.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCarreras never made a first-team appearance for Man Utd – but he was named on the bench for several Premier League games.He was highly-rated at the club, winning the Under-23s player of the season award in 2022.Erik ten Hag’s side have had a nightmare start to the season and left-back has been a problem position amid Luke Shaw’s injury.It makes the decision to let Carreras go even stranger, with one supporter saying: “We are very stupid as a club.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnother added: “With our issues at left-back we went ahead and sanctioned a move for the only fit left-back.”Meanwhile, reports in Portugal state that Man Utd have a buy-back option in Carreras’ contract.A day in the life of workaholic Ten Hag revealed by ex-Man Utd coach who jokes ‘his wife is on verge of divorcing him’Why NOBODY is the right man to replace Erik ten Hag at Man UtdSunSport’s DAVE KIDD says Erik ten Hag’s time at Man Utd is up… and explains what’s wrong with all the potential candidates to replace him.THIS is a mid-table squad at an underachieving club, with a lot of unwanted players on big money.And Ratcliffe is an instinctive cost-cutter who may not pay top dollar to the next manager.If this club wasn’t called ‘Manchester United’, it wouldn’t be an especially desirable job.The good news for United is that their new sporting director, Dan Ashworth, is a very decent judge of a manager.He has been instrumental in three previous managerial appointments — Gareth Southgate for England, Graham Potter for Brighton and Eddie Howe for Newcastle.None were wildly popular at the time, all were conspicuous successes.Interestingly, Ashworth’s No 1 choice for the Newcastle job was Unai Emery, who turned him down to stay at Villarreal but has since proved that judgment right by excelling at Aston Villa.Emery may well deliver the coup de grace to Ten Hag on Sunday — especially with Bruno Fernandes suspended and Kobbie Mainoo an injury doubt.And the Spaniard would be an excellent fit for United — yet there is next to no chance that he would abandon Villa’s Champions League campaign to take the Old Trafford job, not least because he isn’t a stark raving madman.Howe would be another good candidate to succeed Ten Hag but, although he has become frustrated on Tyneside, the Saudis would surely not allow Ratcliffe to poach Howe, as they reluctantly did with Ashworth.Potter is available but his Chelsea experience and lack of charisma would make him a tough sell.Which brings us to Southgate, who remains close with Ashworth and is an excellent man-manager who was seriously considered by United last spring.Yet, despite having led England to two of their three major finals, Southgate’s reputation for over-caution was only enhanced during the Euros.Mauricio Pochettino, passed over twice by United, is out of the equation having taken the United States job.Thomas Tuchel would be a popular and gettable option but, despite being a fine coach and a very engaging man, he is considered something of a loose cannon.Likewise, Roberto De Zerbi, now at Marseille after his brief Brighton stint sparkled then fizzled out.Kieran McKenna — a gifted former United coach who has won back-to-back promotions with Ipswich Town — is an intriguing candidate but the imminent vacancy may come a year or so too soon.Marco Silva, the extremely under-rated Fulham boss, has been on United’s radar and should not be discounted.Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim, last season’s ‘next big thing’, was passed over by West Ham as well as Liverpool this summer and is not an easy man to pin down.Zinedine Zidane, who has taken over from Alan Curbishley as a 20-1 shot for every Premier League job, is a ‘figurehead’ manager and not an Ashworth type.Ruud van Nistelrooy, the former United goal machine who joined Ten Hag’s coaching team in the summer is the bookies’ favourite. Simply because he’s in the building and he’s Dutch.So, yes, getting rid of Ten Hag is the easy part. More

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      Man Utd ‘open to selling Harry Maguire at shock cutdown price in January’ despite stats showing he’s their best CB

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are ready to sanction a cut-price January exit for Harry Maguire, according to reports.The former Red Devils captain, 31, has entered the final nine months of his contract at Old Trafford.Harry Maguire could be on the move in JanuaryCredit: EPAUnited do possess an option to extend the deal by a further year, but will first look to sell the centre-back.According to the Daily Star, Erik ten Hag’s side will listen to offers starting at just £10million for Maguire.The England star previously attracted strong interest from West Ham during the summer of 2023.Despite having fallen out of favour under Ten Hag, Maguire opted to stay at Old Trafford, eventually winning back his place in the team.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThis season he has been in and out of the line-up, starting three of United’s seven Premier League games.The Red Devils stand to make a huge loss on Maguire, having paid £85million for him in the summer of 2019.Even in the summer of 2023 he would have commanded at least £30m.Man Utd recruited Matthijs de Ligt from Bayern Munich ahead of this season in a further bid to push Maguire back down the pecking order.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSStatistically, however, the Sheffield-born ace remains United’s strongest defender in several categories.Compared to De Ligt and Lisandro Martinez this season, Maguire has on average won more duels and aerial duels, while also making more interceptions.Roy Keane reveals he has ‘given up’ with Man Utd as he, Rooney and Neville lay into Ten Hag’s ‘disgusting’ flops Prior to the international break, Maguire scored a last-gasp equaliser for ten-man United in their 3-3 draw with Porto in the Europa League.He then sustained an injury against Aston Villa, being replaced by De Ligt at half-time.After the game he wrote on Instagram: “I’m frustrated to pick up an injury at the weekend, will be a few weeks on the sideline but I’ll come back stronger.”United return to action next Saturday, when they host Brentford at Old Trafford. More

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      Man Utd consider ex-Dortmund boss Edin Terzic to replace Ten Hag – with Tuchel and Van Nistelrooy also in contention

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      EDIN TERZIC is the shock name on Manchester United’s shortlist to replace Erik ten Hag.German Terzic took Borussia Dortmund to the Champions League final last season before surprisingly quitting.Edin Terzic is the latest name in contention if Erik ten Hag departsCredit: GettyTen Hag is still under pressure, days after the club’s seven-hour summitCredit: RexOld Trafford assistant boss Ruud van Nistelrooy could be promotedCredit: GettyHe has many admirers at Old Trafford and it would he a smart but unexpected move to go for him if they sack under-fire Ten Hag.Terzic, 41, did his coaching badges in England, where he was friends with fellow United target Graham Potter, and then worked as Slaven Bilic’s No 2 at West Ham.He rose to the top in Germany during two spells at Dortmund before he walked away in June.United are currently reviewing Ten Hag’s position and have looked at the likes of Potter and Gareth Southgate, while former Chelsea and ex-Bayern Munich boss Thomas Tuchel has been on their radar.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSThe option of promoting club legend and current coach Ruud van Nistelrooy is also a possibility.Terzic graduated from the FA’s  coaching course alongside former United players Nicky Butt and Nemanja Vidic in 2018.United are 14th in the Prem and Ten Hag  is clinging on to his job after club chiefs held a SEVEN-HOUR summit in London last Tuesday to  discuss his future.The Dutchman, 54, is having a short holiday and confident he will still be in charge for Saturday’s visit of Brentford.Most read in FootballThomas Tuchel holds an interest in both the United and England jobsCredit: AFPFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut there has been no confirmation from the club yet on whether that will be the case.Two current Prem bosses are also tipped to be in contention should the Red Devils call time on Ten Hag.Thomas Tuchel Eyes England Manager Role Amid Man Utd SpeculationIpswich’s Kieran McKenna, who was an Old Trafford coach under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and Bees’ manager Thomas Frank have caught the eye of Old Trafford chiefs.Inter Milan’s Simone Inzaghi and Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim have been mentioned too. More

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      Man Utd captain Bruno Fernandes says top manager ‘has quality’ to manage in Premier League as pressure mounts on Ten Hag

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      BRUNO FERNANDES has hailed a top European manager as having the quality to lead a Premier League side.The Manchester United star’s comments come with Erik ten Hag’s future in doubt.Bruno Fernandes has hailed Ruben Amorim as doubts continue over Erik ten Hag’s futureCredit: GettyAmorim has enjoyed success at Sporting LisbonCredit: ReutersThe Red Devils boss has come under scrutiny over the club’s poor start to the season.Old Trafford chiefs held a meeting earlier this week in which Ten Hag’s future was discussed.It appears that the club are willing to stick by the former Ajax manager for now, but that has not stopped others from being linked with the post.The likes of Gareth Southgate, Graham Potter and Thomas Tuchel have been touted as potential options.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHowever, club captain Fernandes has insisted that Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim, 39, is capable of succeeding in England.The Portuguese coach has led the club to two titles in his homeland and is well-regarded.He was believed to be one of the front-runners for the Liverpool and West Ham jobs in the summer before the roles went to Arne Slot and Julen Lopetegui. Fernandes has suggested that Amorim is “prepared” and full of “quality” as a manager.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe told CNN Portugal: “Since Mr Amorim arrived at Sporting, it has been one of the teams to practice better football.”They have been consistent, the signings have been right and they are in a very good moment. It’s a very well-prepared team.Top 10 highest-paid Premier League stars”In relation to Amorim, it shows at this moment he is prepared.”Coaching Sporting and winning championships is not easy, Sporting went 20 years without winning championships and Amorim arrived and has already won two.”This shows that the work has been done well.”If he could manage to do the same in England, Spain or anywhere else, you will never know until you get there, but I am sure his qualities are there for everyone to see.”Fernandes joined Man United from Sporting Lisbon back in January 2020 in a £47million transfer.Amorim arrived at the club in March of that year when he replaced the sacked Jorge Manuel Rebelo Fernandes.Nine managers Man Utd considered before keeping Erik ten HagERIK TEN HAG appears to be safe as Man Utd manager, but the Dutchman edged dangerously close to the sack.Here are nine managers Red Devils chiefs are reported to have considered for the job and what allegedly happened with each.Gareth SouthgateEnjoys plenty of support among Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos chiefs but made clear he wouldn’t talk to any clubs until after Euro 2024. There is yet to be any suggestion that contact was made with the England boss.Kieran McKennaTalks were opened with McKenna’s representatives before the FA Cup final, but the former Man Utd coach opted to sign a new deal with Ipswich after Ten Hag’s Wembley win.Roberto De ZerbiAllegedly sounded out before the FA Cup final with salary expectations discussed. But Ineos chiefs concluded ex-Brighton boss was not the right fit for the project.Thomas FrankBrentford boss met Man Utd representatives the day before the FA Cup final. The Dane also dined with Ratcliffe, Roy Hodgson and Frank Lampard at the launch of a new Ineos car in February.Marco SilvaFulham boss reportedly met Man Utd representatives face-to-face two days before the FA Cup final, around the same time as Ten Hag was conducting his press conference.Mauricio PochettinoFell out of Man Utd’s thinking in the first week of June, despite being a favourite of Sir Alex Ferguson.Thomas TuchelMade a very strong impression and came across well during a Monaco meeting. Personal terms were discussed before the ex-Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss decided to step back from the process.Ruben AmorimSporting boss was discussed by the Man Utd hierarchy but did not make the final reckoning.Roberto MartinezPortugal manager was considered in the early stages. More

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      Six managers Man Utd could turn to now if they sack Ten Hag as Southgate rules himself out and Tuchel eyes ENGLAND job

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      ERIK TEN HAG appears to have avoided the chopping block at Manchester United, at least for now.A SEVEN-HOUR meeting with club chiefs on Tuesday came to an end with no movement on the future of the United boss despite the intense pressure and speculation surrounding him.Erik ten Hag remains under pressure at Man Utd despite appearing to survive talks in LondonCredit: GettyThomas Tuchel looks to be out of the running after entering talks for the England jobCredit: GettyUnited could possibly turn to other candidates such as Graham PotterCredit: PAHowever, the pursuit of other possible targets took a twist on Friday after it was reported that Thomas Tuchel was in talks for the England job.Tuchel, 51, has been heavily linked with replacing Ten Hag at Old Trafford.But according to Bild, he could now replace Gareth Southgate as the Three Lions’ next permanent head coach.Southgate himself played down his links to the Red Devils’ job by saying he would be taking a full year out of work.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd that has left the pool of potential successors to Ten Hag even more drained than it was in the summer. SunSport have looked at six options who could still be considered if Ten Hag’s time at United does ultimately come to a mid-season end.Graham PotterFormer Chelsea and Brighton boss Potter has been without a job since he was sacked by the Blues, but was known for his fluid brand of football and development of young players at the Seagulls, elements United want to champion.However, he directly addressed the speculation when appearing on Sky Sports last month, saying: “I am the only coach in world football to be linked with Stoke City and Napoli in the same week. I have had lots of conversations with lots of people and I think out of respect to those people it’s best those are kept private.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSKieran McKennaA coach at Man Utd during Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s time in charge, McKenna made his first move into management with Ipswich and has impressed ever since by getting them promoted to the top flight.He was consequently linked with a move to another club in the summer, but snubbed interest by signing a new contract. There are concerns whether he would be ready to take on the mammoth United job anyway.Thomas Tuchel Eyes England Manager Role Amid Man Utd SpeculationSimone InzaghiInter Milan manager Inzaghi is reported to have already rejected an approach from Man Utd.He was viewed as an ideal candidate given his experience at the top level and previous success, leading the Italians to the Serie A title, two Coppa Italias and a Champions League final.Ruben AmorimSporting Lisbon manager Amorim has caught the eye of many of Europe’s top sides as a potential new boss.Fresh reports have linked him with a move to Old Trafford should Ten Hag leave, with his Portuguese connections set to do wonders for the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot.Thomas FrankFrank has long been praised for how well he has done with Brentford, in terms of buying into their recruitment plan and getting the best out of players on the pitch.Indeed, Pep Guardiola said it was only a “question of time” before he lands a job at one of European football’s powerhouses.READ MORE SUN STORIESRuud Van NistelrooyLike Inzaghi and Potter on this list, Ruud van Nistelrooy seems to have squashed rumours about taking over the Man Utd job, with reports suggesting he does not want to betray Ten Hag.However, in the event Ten Hag is let go, Van Nistelrooy is likely to be offered the job at least on an interim basis. He impressed as a manager for PSV.Ruud van Nistelrooy would likely be offered the job on an interim basis but has expressed doubts over taking itCredit: Alamy More

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      Man Utd in huge security scare as changing room at Aston Villa is bugged with Erik Ten Hag’s team talks recorded

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      MANCHESTER United’s dressing room was bugged before their match at Aston Villa in a shocking security breach.A prankster claims he hoodwinked Villa Park staff to sneak in and plant a hidden device two days before the 0-0 draw last Sunday.Manchester United’s dressing room was bugged before their match at Aston Villa in a shocking security breach, pictured embattled manager Erik ten HagCredit: PAA prankster used a dodgy Chinese phone to record ten Hag’s team talkCredit: GettyIt recorded under-fire manager Erik ten Hag’s team talks for the crunch Premier League game.A source said: “This is a shocking breach of security and some serious questions will be asked as to how this was allowed to happen. Fortunately, there was nothing sinister to this incident.“It was just a prankster, who’s actually a United fan, being silly and wanting to hear what was said inside those four walls. But it will definitely be a cause for concern about how they managed to get inside a changing room at one of the Premier League’s biggest clubs just days before a match.”The Sun has heard the recordings but is choosing not to publish details of them.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHowever, we can reveal Ten Hag’s instructions to the team and individual players can clearly be heard.The Sun understands the prankster used a phone from China that has a setting where a microphone can be activated by calling it from another device.He had sticky-taped the handset somewhere out of sight in the United dressing room and only rang it when he knew the manager would be in there.High alert Sources claimed the culprit responsible even had the nerve to collect the device on Monday.Most read in FootballIt is a similar stunt to the one that saw a Match of the Day studio hit with porn noises while live on air in 2023.Gary Neville explains what happened in Man Utd meeting amid pressure on Erik ten Hag’s jobThat was the work of Daniel “Jarvo” Jarvis. However, it is believed that he had no involvement in the Villa recordings.The latest stunt comes with Premier League chiefs already on high alert after a string of pranks targeting stadiums and teams.In May, United were targeted by YouTuber Lizwani – who previously got on stage at the Baftas alongside the Oppenheimer cast.He managed to sneak on to the Red Devils’ team bus after a 4-0 hammering at Crystal Palace’s Selhurst Park.Lizwani brazenly took a seat before he was removed.They are doing it to get a load of hits on YouTube and make their fans laugh. They aren’t trying to cause trouble or do harm to anyoneA sourceThat breach led to Prem bosses firing off alerts to the top flight’s 20 clubs advising them to watch out for similar stunts.A source said: “These people are mostly harmless and doing it for a bit of fun.“They are doing it to get a load of hits on YouTube and make their fans laugh. They aren’t trying to cause trouble or do harm to anyone.”Manchester United have suffered their worst start to a Premier League season, sitting in 14th on just eight points after seven games.Ten Hag, 54, told the media after the game at Villa he was “very pleased” with the performance.It came off the back of a 3-3 draw at Porto in the Europa League – where they blew a 2-0 lead – and a 3-0 pummelling by Spurs at Old Trafford.Seven hour meetingThe Villa 0-0 was the Red Devils’ fifth game without a win – their last being a 7-0 Carabao Cup win over League One side Barnsley.It is a far cry from the glory days of former manager Sir Alex Ferguson, who famously called high-pressure moments “squeaky bum time”.The game ended 0-0 in BirminghamCredit: GettyThe United hierarchy — including co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe — held a seven-hour meeting at Old Trafford last week with Ten Hag’s future up in the air.They have remained silent over the manager’s position, with Sir Jim recently failing to publicly back him.However, Ten Hag — currently on holiday during the international break — insists he still has the bosses’ support.He said: “I don’t have any idea that is different because they should have told me.“We communicate — very open, very transparent. I would say every day we talk, so I expect I will speak with them.”He dismissed the “external noise”, adding: “Internal, we are disappointed.“We know we have to do better. Especially, we need to score more.”In 2016, Old Trafford suffered a bomb scare after a dummy device planted by a security company was found in a a toilet.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe fiasco led to United’s Premier League game against Bournemouth being called off.Man Utd and Aston Villa were approached for comment yesterday.Erik ten Hag’s role as Man Utd coach is hanging in the balance following a string of disappointing resultsCredit: GettyPorn stunt on Match Of The DayBy Amir RazaviMATCH of the Day viewers were stunned to hear porn noises during the show in another phone prank.They were coming from a device stuck to a wall by Daniel “Jarvo” Jarvis before a Wolves-Liverpool FA Cup tie at Molineux in 2023.He activated its speaker remotely from another device during the live broadcast, to the amusement of presenter Gary Lineker.Jarvo, also behind a string of other pranks at major sporting events, told The Sun at the time: “These things are all about confidence. If you hesitate, then you’ll get asked questions. People from Wolves thought we were with the TV, and vice versa.” More

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      German boss Thomas Tuchel ‘in negotiations’ over England job amid Man Utd links and is keen to replace Gareth Southgate

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      THOMAS TUCHEL is in negotiations to become the next England manager, according to reports in Germany.Tuchel has been without a job since leaving Bayern Munich at the end of last season but has been strongly linked with replacing under-pressure Erik ten Hag at Manchester United.Thomas Tuchel is in talks to replace Gareth Southgate as England bossCredit: GettySouthgate left his position as Three Lions boss after Euro 2024Credit: RexLee Carsley has taken up the job on an interim basis but lost to Greece on ThursdayCredit: SplashIt would also be a boost for Erik ten Hag’s position at Man UtdCredit: GettyTuchel, 51, is the bookies’ favourite to be the next Red Devils boss.And he was spoken about as the preferred candidate for the job, should Ten Hag be axed, during SEVEN-HOUR crunch talks between co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and United chiefs on Tuesday.However, in a bitter blow to Red Devils chiefs as they consider their options, Tuchel could now be set to replace Gareth Southgate instead.German outlet Bild report the ex-Chelsea boss is in negotiations to become the new manager of the Three Lions.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe would become only the third non-English boss of the national side – and the first German.Lee Carsley has stepped in as England boss on an interim basis since Southgate’s decision to quit in the wake of the Euro 2024 final loss to Spain.But the former midfielder suffered a potentially decisive blow to his aspirations of taking the job on full-time after an embarrassing 2-1 defeat to Greece on Thursday night.Speaking after the defeat – which followed victories in his first two games in charge – Carsley appeared resigned to not being handed the keys to the senior team for much longer.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe 50-year-old said: “I was surprised after the last camp [to hear], ‘The job’s mine, it’s mine to lose.'”My remit is I am doing three camps and then hopefully going back to the Under-21s…How would Southgate and Tuchel transform Man Utd flops and who is best for job?”I said at the start that I wouldn’t rule myself in or out.”And that’s still the case. I’m more than comfortable in my position where I am.”It is understood the FA are yet to formally interview new candidates for the job.The governing body insists it is undergoing a robust, ongoing and confidential process to appoint Southgate’s successor.Eddie Howe and Graham Potter have been linked with the role.Southgate vs Tuchel records comparedTHOMAS TUCHELAugsburg II 2007-2008P34 W 20 D8 L6 Win percentage: 58.82%Mainz 05 2009-2014P184 W72 D46 L66 Win percentage: 39.13%Borussia Dortmund 2015-2017P107 W67 D23 L17 Win percentage: 62.62%Honours: DFB Pokal Paris Saint Germain 2018-2020P127 W95 D13 L16 Win percentage: 74.8%Honours: Ligue 1 X2, Coupe de France, Coupe de la Ligue, Trophee des Champions x2Chelsea 2021-2022P100 W60 D24 L16 Win percentage: 60%Honours: Champions League, Super Cup, Club World CupBayern Munich 2023-2024P61 W37 D8 L16 Win percentage: 60.66%Honours: BundesligaGARETH SOUTHGATEMiddlesbrough 2006-2009P151 W54 D43 Win percentage: 35.76%England U21 2013-2016P37 W27 D5 L5 Win percentage: 72.97%Honours: Toulon tournamentEngland 2016-PresentP102 W61 D24 L17 Win percentage: 59.8%Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola was said to be top of their wish list for next summer.Tuchel has previously admitted he was open to the idea of international management.Speaking in 2022, he said: “Yeah, why not? I would, I would. I did not give too much thought to it until now.”But I would consider if it is the right team and if it has the potential to win trophies like the World Cup and the Euros.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAsked specifically about England, who then had Southgate in charge, he said: “I see where you are going. But I think England has a good coach right now.”The team is very strong and very talented… as for everything else, I will not comment.”England’s job advert for new bossThe FA’s seven requirements to succeed Gareth Southgate:Will hold a Uefa Pro License.Will have significant experience of English football, with a strong track record delivering results in the Premier League and/or leading international competitions.Will be an exceptional leader who understands and will enjoy the international football environment.Will be experienced in successfully identifying, managing and developing English qualified players.Will be highly resilient and comfortable in a very high-profile role with intense public scrutiny.Will have a track record of creating a high performing, positive team culture and environment.Will have strong personal values and integrity and understand and embrace the role that the England Men’s Senior Team Head Coach has inspiring the nation. More

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      Ten Hag has spent £100m trying to replace Maguire… but stats prove England ace is easily Man Utd’s best centre-back

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      ERIK TEN HAG has forked out £100MILLION trying to replace Harry Maguire – but the stats prove he is still Manchester United’s best centre-back.Ten Hag ensured he was reunited with his ex-Ajax defenders as United chiefs paid £56.7m for Lisandro Martinez in 2022, before splashing £42.7m on Matthijs de Ligt this summer.Harry Maguire is United’s most in-form centre-backThis comes after Erik ten Hag has spent just shy of £100m on his replacementsLisandro Martinez was adored by fans in his first season – but has since fallen out of favourBut the data SunSport has gathered shows that Maguire is actually by far and away the most in-form centre-half at Old Trafford.After a solid debut season in Manchester, Maguire soon faced the wrath of fans, becoming a figure of fun for rivals and a soft touch for the experts after some questionable performances.The fact that the England ace – who arrived from Leicester for £80m – was automatically handed the club captaincy by Ole Gunnar Solkajaer didn’t help his case.He was soon stripped of the armband by Ten Hag in June 2023 – being replaced by Bruno Fernandes, after falling behind the first-choice pairing of Martinez and Raphael Varane.READ MORE ON MAN UTDAnd United even agreed to sell Maguire to West Ham last summer – before the former Sheffield United defender vowed to fight for his place.And he’s done just that, proving that he’s arguably still the best centre-back at Ten Hag’s disposal.In fact, Maguire has beaten Martinez and De Ligt in nine out of 13 stat categories recorded in all competitions so far this term.Maguire has won the most duels with 5.3 per 90 minutes, compared to Martinez’s 2.9 and De Ligt’s 4.8.Most read in FootballMatthijs de Ligt has failed to hit the mark after joining from Bayern this summerFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe England star also came out on top in interceptions won, possession won, and successful completed passes (61.81) per 90.And he’s level with De Ligt in terms of goals scored (one) and total shots, despite starting four matches in all competitions this term.Roy Keane blasts ‘don’t bloody say it you fool’ in furious rant at Eriksen after Man Utd star’s controversial comment Martinez comes out on top only in tackles made and won – which is synonymous with his “Butcher” reputation.The Argentine enjoyed an impressive debut season in 2022-23 but his form significantly dropped after recovering from surgery on his metatarsal bone last summer.Both Maguire and Martinez were in-and-out of the matchday squad last term, as United suffered an unprecedented number of defensive injuries and recorded a negative goal difference for the first time in Prem history.Maguire started the first two Prem games this season, but was dropped for a mistake during Danny Welbeck’s opener in their 2-1 defeat at Brighton.New signing De Ligt was brought in to start instead but has come under intense scrutiny for his own performances.Particularly in United’s 3-0 home defeat to Spurs and the 3-3 Porto game where the Red Devils again lost a 2-0 lead.Club legend Paul Scholes has frequently said: “I’m not convinced De Ligt is better than Maguire.”Maguire was brought on in the final 10 minutes in the Europa League in Portugal when United trailed 3-2 – before his headed winner saved Ten Hag’s job at the death.The 31-year-old and Jonny Evans were then trusted to start against Aston Villa, replacing De Ligt and Martinez – who many assumed would be the first-choice pairing going forward.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut Maguire faced yet another setback after suffering a fresh calf injury and left Villa Park in a protective boot, after he was replaced by De Ligt at half-time.People scoffed at Maguire starting against Unai Emery’s side but Ten Hag will see his temporary loss as a big one. More